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Neuropsychological Testing

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Mastering Modern Psychological Testing

Abstract

Neuropsychological assessment utilizes standardized psychological tests designed to study brain-behavior relationships. These standardized tests are referred to as neuropsychological tests because they assess specific domains of cognitive functioning such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Neuropsychological tests are used in research and clinical settings. Clinical neuropsychologists use these tests to inform patient care. Test results are often used to diagnose the cause of brain dysfunction, quantify its impact on cognitive abilities, prescribe or monitor the effects of treatment, or predict long-term functional outcomes. This chapter describes the components of neuropsychological evaluation, major assessment approaches and their associated tests, assessment of memory function, and major processes guiding the neuropsychological evaluation. Test interpretation based on two primary approaches (deficit and normative) is also discussed, including important procedures for establishing level of cognitive abilities prior to the onset of cognitive dysfunction.

The brain is in charge of all behavior, and assessment of its functional integrity is important for understanding behavior, cognition, and emotion.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Austin, TX, USA

    Cecil R. Reynolds

  2. Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Robert A. Altmann

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA

    Daniel N. Allen

Authors
  1. Cecil R. Reynolds
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  2. Robert A. Altmann
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  3. Daniel N. Allen
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Reynolds, C.R., Altmann, R.A., Allen, D.N. (2021). Neuropsychological Testing. In: Mastering Modern Psychological Testing. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59455-8_13

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